Catalans Dragons confirm exit of overseas recruit

Catalans Dragons have confirmed that Ben Lam will not represent the club next season. Lam’s contract runs until the end of December and the club have no plans to offer him a new deal.

The Dragons have revealed that despite Lam training with the club to earn a new Super League contract, they could not offer him the game time he craved and desired. As such, Lam’s short time in Perpignan will come to an end after joining the club in August to help out Steve McNamara’s side.

Ultimately, Lam leaves having failed to make an appearance for the Catalans first-team, with his only outings coming in the French top flight with Catalans’ second string Saint-Esteve XIII Catalan.

He made five starts for the reserve outfit and scored three tries in what is his only experience in rugby league to date.

Lam joined the club after carving out an impressive career in rugby union. He represented the Blues and Hurricanes in Super Rugby in his native New Zealand before moving to France to play for Bordeaux Begles and Montpellier. He also has three caps for Samoa to his name.

Ultimately the 33-year-old’s switch to rugby league hasn’t gone as planned and it remains to be seen if he will continue in the 13-man code.

A statement released by Catalans Dragons was full of praise for the winger: “He has been a positive influence on those young players around him, encouraging others and showing great humility at training and in games.

“The club would like to thank him for his dedication and professionalism since his arrival and wish him all the best for the future.”